Paper short abstract:

"Chhau" a rare kind of mask dance form have been passed from one generation to another, have evolved in response to their environments and they contribute to giving us a sense of identity and continuity, providing a link from our past, through the present and into our future.

Paper long abstract:

"CHHAU -The Dance Drama" with silent language and conversation, is not the cultural manifestation itself but rather the wealth of knowledge and skills that is transmitted from one generation to the next. Chhau dance is distributed into three adjoining states of India:- Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. The three forms of Chhau are named after the district or village where they are performed, i.e. the Purulia Chhau of Bengal, the Seraikella Chhau of Bihar and the Mayurbhanj Chhau of Orissa. Chhau has been identified by UNESCO as an essential component and repositioning of cultural diversity and creative expression.The social and economic value of conserving our traditional knowledge through transmission is relevant in the present age of globalisation. Intangible cultural heritage contributes to social cohesion, encouraging a sense of identity and responsibility which helps individuals to feel part of one or different communities and to feel part of society at large. The present paper had studied chhau dance anthropologically and found that In spite of the advent of the modern means of entertainment like T.V and internet the artistes of Chhau are keen to carry forward the tradition of the rare kind of mask dance. This is a sincere effort to keep the tradition alive.